Local golfers to see boon with Open's presence

One of the greatest spectacles in the game of golf take place this week in Chester County’s backyard, as Merion Golf Club will host the 113th United States Open Championship.

The sport’s best will flood to the prestigious golf course in Ardmore as the club will hold the tournament for the fifth time in its history.

Merion welcomes not only the 156 of the world’s top golfers, but also thousands of fans throughout the week.

Beyond the tournament itself and the hype of who will take the coveted title of 2013 U.S. Open champion, the areas surrounding Merion have become affected.

“I think it’s great for this area, for all the golf that’s in this area,” said White Manor Caddy Master John Honeywell.

Along with Merion Golf Club being busy all week, country clubs and golf courses all over the Philadelphia area are dealing with similar hectic tasks.

“There’s a lot of courses wanting to entertain different things like outings and different events because of the U.S. Open,” Honeywell said.

Country clubs, like Honeywell’s White Manor, are holding golf events throughout the duration of the week of the U.S. Open due to members bringing guests and business clients.

With the major championship being held so close, the market revolving around golf has been nothing but positive for local golf courses

“There’s no question. It gets the notoriety out,” said White Manor country club member Jack Crowley. “You got a lot of these professional golfers come out. They get the opportunity to see some amazing golf courses.”

Those courses certainly have been not had any down time in the last several days as everyone is rushing to the nearest course, just as it seems basketball gyms are always a little more crowded during March Madness.

Athletes develop the need to play whatever sport is the hot topic at the time. For this week in southeastern Pennsylvania, it is golf.

“We have a busy week ahead because of the U.S. Open because of a lot of people wanting to play golf,” Honeywell said.

Even with the major championship starting Thursday, many local golfers still seem surprised that the United States Golf Association selected Merion Golf Club to host the event.

With its East Course being less than 7,000 yards, Merion is one of the shorter courses in recent years that have hosted such a prominent golf tournament.

“My reaction was surprised,” said Whitford Country Club member Alex Cecco. “I’ve never seen it play at a course so small and I didn’t think they’d be able to fit everything.”

Due to only about 150 acres of available space, Merion Golf Club has accommodated space surrounding the course for guests and visitors to use for events or parking.

“Everything is organized and they’re using a lot of land outside of Merion,” Cecco said.

Along with golf courses and country clubs financially gaining due to its proximity to Ardmore, the U.S. Open also has assisted individuals financially.

Jobs have been brought to the region due to the tournament, whether its selling merchandise, running a restaurant near Merion Golf Club or assisting on the course grounds. Jobs have certainly been made available for a short period this summer.

“It gives me the opportunity to work for a week,” said Temple freshman and Exton resident Mike Turney.

Turney is currently directing cars in parking lots half an hour away from the course. Jobs like this have been able to assist those looking for work or college students, like him, looking to make a quick buck.

While none of the local golfers can say they are David Feherty or Johnny Miller, everyone still has his or her opinion on who will be kissing the trophy on Sunday.

“It’s about the guys that got the short game,” Crowley said. “Anybody can be in it.”

With the early week’s weather conditions being filled with inches of rain and more predicted in the forecast, a slow and soggy course may be expected for the golfers.

“It’s going to take someone that’s very accurate. I guess I’m going to go with the number one player in the world,” Honeywell said with a laugh referring to Tiger Woods.

While Woods has been on a recent hot streak, 155 golfers will be chasing the same title he looks to accomplish.

And obviously with so many other big names coming to Merion, there are other favorites.

“I think Webb Simpson,” Cecco said. Simpson was the 2012 U.S. Open champion and looks to repeat this weekend.

He is also a favorite pick among many due to his excitement about Merion.

“He’s been raving for the past five years about the Open coming to Merion,” Cecco said. “He said three weeks ago that Merion is his favorite golf course in the entire world.”

While many do their best to land a spot on the Golf Network with their own “expert picks”, many just look forward to spending time and taking in the tournament.

“Getting to see all the best golfers in the world compete for a chance to win the major championship,” Turney said about what he looks forward to most over the four-day tournament.

One thing is for sure, everyone is more than excited for the major championship to come to Merion. Tickets have been purchased, plans have been made and work has been pushed aside all to see which golfer can hit a little white ball the fewest times on golf’s greatest stage, the 2013 United States Open Championship.